Posts tagged “Jason Wu”

So I have decided to do a series of photos using these 10th Anniversary Jason Wu Elyse’s. My first choice of photos for this series was a bride and it’s using one of my favorite dolls from the 10th anniversary series and a favorite OOAK gown I had commissioned during 2017. I hope you all enjoy!

I love following wedding photographers on Instagram. While I have never photographed a wedding professionally ( oh the pressure!) I have photographed some candid images for family and friends from their weddings. I love to see some of the images that professional wedding photographers capture. I am always in awe.

The gown was a special commission done by the talented Natalia Kunafina. She has an ebay shop 2010Chizhik

Playing around with lighting on this shoot was fun. You will notice a different color cast to this shot as I was using mostly natural light as opposed to augmented or artificial lighting. I’m not sure which one I like better…both have their positive and negatives.

Also tried out some really cool little LED lights I found at IKEA! Really cool effect and sooooo inexpensive!! You can find them here.

In case you are wondering…the paper is there to shield the light from the dress and just shine on her face LOL! I have some master paper folding skills I never knew I had.

What can I say about this doll that this picture doesn’t….absolutely nothing. She really is this beautiful.

And just because natural light can say it so much better than augmented light can…here she is…in all her ethereal beauty. Thank you Jason for your gifts and for sharing them with collectors.

And if any of you are wondering what the soundtrack was for this shoot…go to Spotify and listen to “Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons”

Since the announcement of these 10th Anniversary dolls by Jason Wu over a year ago, I thought it would be so cool to do an Annie Leibovitz style group shot of all the dolls. During the past year of releases and all the stress and uncertainty that can come with trying to purchase a super limited edition size collectable, I doubted this idea would ever come to fruition. I was ok with that. I can’t tell you how many great photo ideas I have had that have not and will not ever come to pass.

Through the help of friends and fellow collectors, I was able to procure each of the 6 special limited edition dolls from this past year. With that accomplished, my mission was now set…time to do a group shot with all of these lovely ladies. I did research on Ms Leibovitz’s lighting style and composition. I have been a fan of her work for many, many years and was so very honored to take one of her master classes this past year. It was time to put that knowledge to work.

Figuring out composition can be the most difficult job of a shoot. I’m not going to lie…this part took a couple hours and some outside consult from my good friend Rogier of Dutch Fashion Doll World.

The above composition was my first attempt. After consult (Thanks Rogier!!) and more thinking, I finally settled on this set up

The next step was to get the right lighting. Annie Leibovitz’s group shots always have everyone in the group lit so well. I found out…she composites them….meaning…she shoots smaller groups then stitches them together in Photoshop. I considered doing that here and I almost did…but found that I had a small enough group that I felt I could light it adequately. I used a mixture of natural sunlight and 1-2 soft box lights. I shot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Prime lens.

And the final result after post processing.

Hope you enjoyed the behind the scenes loot at how this image came together.

For those of you who follow me on Instagram or Flickr, you have already seen the group shot. I just couldn’t wait to share the photo.

Through the help of friends and fellow collectors, I was able to obtain all of 6 special limited edition Jason Wu 10th Anniversary Elyse dolls produced this past year. I thought it would be really fun to do a group shot of all the girls together and here is the result of that shoot. Hope you all enjoy.

Jason Wu is releasing a commemorative collection of 10th anniversary dolls to showcase some of his favorite designs from the last ten years of his career. Today Bergdorf Goodman released a very limited edition set of dolls to the expectant arms of many willing and waiting collectors. A few lucky collectors were able to obtain them…many others did not. The funny part …or perhaps not so funny…is that we really don’t know who will end up with these dolls and who will not. Before I go any further, lets share images of what people were willing to get up at the crack of dawn to try to purchase.

Inspired by Jason Wu Fall 2011 RTW

Inspired by Jason Wu Spring 2011 RTW

Let me set the stage. If you are a WClub member, you received a “heads-up” that these dolls would be made available online only at Bergdorf Goodman on November 17th at approximately 9:00AM EST. This is one of those “PERKS” I talk about getting with a WClub membership that basically pays for the membership alone. Just sayin’…on to the scene.

Let’s be honest here people…for those who collect and love the hunt, this was catnip. With that information tucked away, many intrepid collectors from all over the world attempted to attain these allusive collectibles. When I say allusive…I mean it. Edition size is 200. That is SMALL. That makes these babies basically a holy grail in the fashion doll collecting community. It was a safe bet to say that there would be high demand and low supply. Basically a blue light Kmart special kind of event.

So, we had the approximate time and the place and most of us assumed that searching the website for “Jason Wu” or “Jason Wu doll” would be enough to find these beauties once they were released on the site. Some of us started early…as in predawn on the 17th. The search, it turns out was not as simple as typing in the logical “Jason Wu” oh no…it was to be more complicated than that. And here is the interesting thing I found today. It was the community and the loyal and helpful members of that community that essentially helped fellow collectors find the elusive links or gateways that allowed many to attempt to purchase these dolls. Thanks to one member in particular in the WClub, many of us were able to use a shared link and attempt to purchase these dolls. I will say outright here and now that many of us owe Blaiseworld on the WClub a big martini and undying thanks for directing us to the dolls. When many were expressing difficulty in finding the dolls after the designated time had arrived, Blaisworld shared the link that allowed us to get these in our carts and for all intensive purposes, purchase.

Why am I being so cagy about “purchase”? Excellent question. Many of us were able to put these babies in our cart and go through the regular checkout step. Many of us received the hallowed “confirmation” email. And then…many received the dreaded “cancellation” email. So many received cancellations that it has left everyone feeling like we don’t really know if we will get these dolls or not. There does not seem to be a rhyme or reason to the cancellations and there will be approximately a week delay to find out if these things will ship ( apparently the container ship with product has not arrived at BG yet). Most of us wait in anticipation hell…afraid of the pings of those incoming emails …afraid they will be cancellation emails. I am seriously developing a nervous tick with these pings LOL! As of this point, I am in anticipation of these dolls but I don’t fully expect them. Jason Wu shared on his Instagram that these dolls sold out in 1 hour so I am hopeful if I made purchase within that 1 hour that I will receive them. I don’t really know for sure though until I get the first step to the holy grail…the “shipping notice”.

I have said it before and I will say it again, Elyse and Eden/Lilith are my favorite face molds. I am interested in anything with these face molds. Added to that, the idea of having a miniature Jason Wu creation is flippin’ cool. I wish the edition size were such that those who wanted one could obtain one. In the absence of that, I have to say it was an an exhilarating yet maddening experience today as I ran into roadblocks. In the end, the roadblock was moved aside by a person I did not know personally but whom helped many collectors find their way to purchase. That is the true meaning of this day to me. This person didn’t have to help, but they did…and it helped many. Wow. Even if I don’t end up getting these dolls, I am humbled by the willingness of a few to help their fellow collectors. They didn’t hoard the information to themselves or hand it out to a select few…they gave it to the community. I find this over and over within this collecting community…a willingness to help eachother. Yes, yes, there are a few actors that are in it primarily for the profit and the gain but I would have to say, for the most part, the community wants to help….and in a world that is already pretty darn difficult right now…that made me smile.

Hoping to get these dolls but smiling in the midst of this uncertainty,

The first doll of Integrity Toys’ Fashion Royalty “A Delicate Bloom” Collection is starting to hit collectors’ doorsteps. Her name is Emerging Rebel Kyori and true to her name she is entering the collecting world with some controversy. The title of this blog post is kind of a play on words. When you vote to pass a measure for something the verbiage is always, “Those in favor say ‘AYE’“ and if there are more yes’s than no’s the motion passes or “The Aye’s have it.” There is a current issue being voted on by collectors of Integrity Toys and it’s all about the eyes.

Let me explain: Integrity Toys is trying out a new process with the eyes on some of their dolls. Instead of painting the inner eyes (outline, white, iris, pupils and "catch light" dots) they are using water decals. Per IT, the reasoning for going to these decals was to offer more consistency in eye placement and facial screening. (Too many “wonky eye” issues with the previously used methods.) Some collectors are concerned about the durability and quality of these decals. Given all the concerns, I was curious to see for myself if there were negative aspects to these decals from an aesthetic perspective as well as a photography perspective. I was concerned as to whether or not these decals would make the eyes appear more “dead” in a photograph. If something is too matte, it won’t reflect light effectively and gives off a dead appearance. On the other side, if something is too shiny (especially the eyes) it can create too much of a reflection that you have to clean up in Photoshop afterwards… and… that is a big pain in the back side, believe me. Who wants to spend hours in post-process just because of shiny eyes? Not me.

So… I was curious to see what would happen when I photographed one of these dolls with these decal eyes. What did I find?

1. From an aesthetic aspect… just looking at her… I wasn’t noticing anything concerning. Her screening is appealing and I think she is a pretty doll. The eyes don’t stand out as odd or off in any way. She does have a very far “to the side” eyeball placement and some are finding that fact unappealing. I can understand this. That doesn’t work for everyone.

2. From a photography stand point… there are some differences.

First and foremost, the eyeball is printed not painted so there are dots of color not continuous color. Is this a problem? Not normally in my opinion. As you see this image on your computer screen or phone, you are seeing it as dots of color as well — they are just really, really small dots. Let’s face it, most of us are not going to be looking at this doll under a microscope.

Can you see the dots in the picture above? Maybe a little but not much. Our eyes and brains are really good at melding those dots together to make it look like one cohesive color.

Secondly, I’m not going to lie — these decals catch the light differently, so when photographing, that needs to be factored in. Is this a deal breaker? For me, not really. It’s just something different. Now, as to whether these decals will hold up over time… only time will tell that one. For now, I am willing to give them a chance. For now, I’m voting “aye”.

Enough about the eyes — let’s talk about the accessories and dress! I love this dress!!! It is so elegant and fits her beautifully. The lavender shoes are perfection and the grey glasses and oversized bag are refined and chic. I don’t know who is taking over jewelry at IT but all I can say is, “Keep it going!!” The earrings and bracelet are a new design and I adore them.

Kyori’s hair color was described as medium brown in product write-ups. Have we seen Kyori with these lighter brown tresses before? I like it.

Better late than never right?! Some collectors were beginning to wonder if we were going to get a new release or not. Granted, the reveal is a bit later than we have had in years past. One thing I was not remembering, however, was the fact that the WClub 2016 did not start until February of this year. Some have pointed out that this reveal halfway into the “club” year is about right. Time and collector sales numbers will finish the thoughts and stories on that one. In my opinion, revealing this collection 6 months into the club year is a bit late. That fact does not stop me from appreciating the product nor making purchases so there you go. If I am not totally satisfied with the delay in the reveal, I am satisfied with the delivery time on these babies. They are all available within the next couple of months so no long wait times. On the downside…They are all coming DUE FOR PAYMENT in the next couple of months. This is not good for the wallet.

Note: “Eye Decals” I have marked which of these dolls are using the new eye decal application method under doll tech specs for those who are interested. For me, this new method is ok for now. Some collectors are very averse to this technique being used and I wanted to make sure everyone had the information before they purchase. For me, I am willing to give this technique a chance. I also respect people’s consumer choice and for many this is important information to have before they purchase.

For those readers who are not WClub members, you can find most of these dolls on Integrity Toys dealers sites. Be aware, WClub members had this information days ago so if you want any of these, contact dealers ASAP. Some may already be sold out.

Important note from Integrity Toys: The dolls pictured in this release are prototypes. Final fabrics, colors and textures may vary slightly. Images of dolls used in this post are property of Integrity Toys, Inc. and under their copyright.

Love the lace overlay and added beading to the lace! I am also really loving the chunky jewelry design. All in all a very elegant look. For some reason, this Natalia left me without a clear “ must have” which is weird. I totally go for the elegant and refined and this dress has it. The doll just left me “meh” though and not sure if it was the simplistic hairstyle ( more on that later) or the pale skin tone on a character that I prefer as sultry Latino. Love the jewelry though so may have to find that in the secondary market. As I write this I also realize that some of my lack of excitement over this one may be the use of black. I feel like IT overdosed on it’s use of black last year and here it is again…albeit as secondary colors but still…it’s black!

YAASSSSSSSS! Now we are talkin’. I saw this caramel tressed Kyori and felt the wallet open ( a chorus of angels may have struck a chord as well). I love the soft pastel color pallet!! Not a whiff of black here. I love the embroidered leather ( ok not real leather but still) and the edgy refinement of it. It feels forward and still elegant. This feels like Jason influence to me and I like it. Also, whoever is heading up the jewelry and accessory department at IT…HATS OFF!! Here we have another new design in earrings and its fabulous! Love the grey purse and sunglasses. The lavender shoes are EVERYTHING! Me likes. I am hoping Dania’s grey gloved hands of last year’s club doll will match this one.

Ok…so I have to admit my first thought on this one came straight from the “I’m a Mom of a 16 year old girl” and it said “ That skirt does not satisfy the fingertip rule”. Then I started paying attention to the details and felt better. First I looked at the doll. Gorgeous Dasha with beautiful smoky eyes pale blond hair. Stunning. The jacket is really quite detailed so I told the “mom” in me to sit down and reflect. I think this one will be amazing redressed and I have plans for that jacket ( maybe not with the skirt )

This one will be through IT Direct not dealers people. What did I notice about this doll first? The price!! Alain explained that this was done as tribute to the “basic doll” that IT has done in years past. I don’t know that there is anything really “basic” about this beauty. The price alone certainly has many interested. One pet peeve however…and this is the photographer in me but…the right eye on this lady is off ( left eye pupil is forward looking, right eye it is off to side). I am expectant and hopeful that in production this item is fixed. WClubbers, look for emails on how to acquire this one sometime in October.

A redheaded Luchia?!!! I’m in!! And she has cream skin tone. Me likes! The dress is very interesting. Feeling a little Valentino here but I have not researched so have no idea how close I am on that one. The yellow purse is certainly a pop of color in this one but I may switch that out. Also, while I love the industrial jewelry in this collection, I would go for something softer with this gown. Grey pearls maybe? Don’t know but will have fun trying things out.

Yes, yes…this gown is almost in retinal searage territory. My first question was…”Is it yellow or green yellow?” I am thinking it is more in the yellow category but photographs can be deceiving. Either way, I find myself admiring this one which surprises me because I am NOT a yellow fan. I ADORE the embroidery on this one and the fact that it is an homage to the house of Oscar de la Renta endears this one to me. I am also loving the auburn haired Eugenia with the pink/coral lips.

First of all…giftset with Elyse…no brainer for me. 1) Love, love, love the soft palette on this facial screening. I believe Jessy Ayala is in charge of all facial screenings now so..Jessy..LOVE! 2) How adorable is this lingerie set?!!…the bows…the bows..you had me at the bows 3) A Marchesa inspired gown!! 4) Another nod to the house of Oscar de la Renta. Sign me up, I’m in. I am not a huge fan of the high/low skirt with a suit but it’s not a deal breaker for me. If they had just had a pencil skirt in the same fabric as the jacket, this set would have been close to perfect for me. This was the first one in my shopping cart people…the very first.

But wait…there is more! There is always more with Integrity Toys. More, as in…event doll!

THUD! Holy Cow collectors! I don’t think my fingers hesitated one single moment before hitting the “BUY” button on this one..and from what I am seeing from other WClubbers…they feel the same way. This one may be up there as one of the largest edition sizes in the history of the WClub. Edition size will be driven by WClub members who order and I know many are ordering multiples of this one. ( one per membership and many members have multiple memberships). Where do I start?! The dress…oh my word the dress! Pale peachy pink with beaded lace overlay. Ahhhhhh!!! –another chorus of angels is singing here. That adorable pink bow clutch! I am even liking the industrial necklace with this gown. I and many other WClubbers will be looking forward to the Winter ‘16’ delivery of this one. Please oh please let it be before Christmas!!! ( not likely but a girl can dream).

One final note that needs to be made about this collection is the very paleness of it. While I love that they gave us colors other than black in this collection ( yes, they really do listen to their collectors), they did not have any skin tone diversity in this collection. The yellow gown alone would have been stunning on an Adele. It left many collectors asking “where is the diversity?” A very valid question and one I hope Integrity addresses.

The WClub announced their second club exclusive for the year yesterday. It is a giftset sure to satisfy many collectors. I mean come on…it’s the power team of Giselle and Agnes! How can you not love that?!

**Pictures of prototypes shown below; final production colors and textures may vary slightly. Any staging props are not included. Case and doll stand pictures are digitally rendered; final production may vary slightly.**

You have to love these giftsets and check out the dual stand!! I have not seen that before. I am completely digging the case with this one too. Very chic and elegant. I adore the sleek platinum blond ponytails and red, red lips. I am also a big fan of the cream skin tone and it looks like Agnes has it for this set. Hope to see these girls sometime before the end of the year. Integrity Toys thanked Jason and Vaughn for this offering in their release email . This collector thanks them too!

And…because we have sisters for the giftset…just had to add this, sorry, couldn’t help myself.

Get ready folks…Poppy Parker “right to buy” lotteries will be right around the corner!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope this year will be full of new and interesting fashion doll news that we can talk about and share here. Fashion Inspiration is always a fun thing to speculate on when a new set of dolls is released from Mattel or Integrity Toys. There are some very good fashion sleuths in our collecting community that post possible inspirations for these new and old fashion dolls. I don’t know if it is the history lover or the fashion lover in me that enjoys this information. I guess it doesn’t really matter..I just think it is fun to see the possible inspiration that designers at Mattel or IT use to design a particular doll.

My friend Hilda of Bellissima Couture found a fashion and posted it on Pinterest the other day. It was a dress by Jason Wu and I instantly recognized it. It was a gown I had seen on a Fashion Royalty doll. It was not surprising…given that Jason Wu designed the doll for Integrity Toys.

Typically, a doll is released and I love to look back in history at fashion shows of popular designers to see if I can spot an inspiration. It started me thinking…Jason Wu started as a doll designer…was there inspiration coming the other way? In other words, could we look back at previous doll designs and see inspiration for the amazing designer he was to become. I think I may have found a few.

Whichever way inspiration goes, from the fashion world to the doll design arena or vice versa, that connection with fashion past and present is a big part of collecting for me. It is so interesting to me to see how they influence each other.

I am looking forward to another year of fashion inspiration and doll collecting. I hope you are too

…at Inside the Fashion Doll Studio. I received notice from my most excellent dealer Barb that these two ladies are on their way to me. Since it has been some time since these were announced…{cough) ummm April…{cough}, I thought I would recap the particulars about these newest releases. It seems like these dolls are coming out really, really late this year. The bulk of the Integrity Toys 2012 lineup is still yet to come and I am afraid there will be an avalanche here in the next couple of months. I better get my skis ready to ride it down.

“Always on her Mind” Dania Zarr

Edition Size: 450

When was she supposed to be delivered?? Early July {{Rebecca looks at her watch then looks at the screen and raises an eyebrow sarcastically}}

“Trust your Instincts” Jordan

Edition Size: 450

When was she supposed to be delivered?? Early July…How do I feel about it??

It looks like the influence for these two lovelies is the captain of Integrity’s design team Jason Wu. This is from his 2012 Spring RTW show.

As with the convention dolls, the accessories look to be fantastic! Looking forward to some deboxing time.

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Hey folks. I hate to have to come out and explain this but I am finding it necessary so here goes.... All photos used on this site unless I specify they are from another source like Mattel or Integrity Toys...are mine and under my copyright. So....don't use them unless you have my permission.